Alavés Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sivera · Tenaglia · A. Abqar · Mouriño · Manu Sánchez · Carlos V. · Blanco · Jordán · Carlos M. · Aleñá · Kike García

Alavés focuses on a direct and vertical identity utilizing a 4-4-2. This lineup is built to defend in a compact block and hit opponents on the transition. The team aims to stay narrow and win the second ball to launch quick attacks once possession is regained.

Sivera stays between the posts to command the area and organize the back line. The defense functions as a zonal line with Manu Sánchez and Tenaglia acting as the wide defenders. Manu Sánchez and Tenaglia must track back to help the midfield, while Mouriño and A. Abqar act as the central duo, focused on being dominant in the air and clearing the lines when pressure arrives. They work together to hold the line and set the offside trap to keep the opposition from playing through the thirds.

The midfield functions with a central pairing of Jordán and Blanco. Jordán works to shield the defence and drop between the centre-backs to receive, while Blanco tries to carry the ball forward to link the defensive and attacking lines. On the flanks, Carlos V. and Carlos M. operate as wide midfielders who must squeeze the space and provide width. This four-man midfield unit works to stay compact and force the opposition to play long balls.

Up front, the team uses a partnership consisting of Kike García and Aleñá. Kike García acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win the header, providing a focal point for direct play. Aleñá plays as a second striker, often looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines or knock it in behind. Carlos V. and Carlos M. provide width by pulling wide to stretch the defence and deliver early crosses to the two forwards in the box.

One major strength of Alavés is the compactness when defending in a mid-block. The two banks of four make it difficult for the opposition to find gaps between the lines. Another advantage is the speed of transition. By using Kike García to win the second ball, the team can quickly find Aleñá to exploit space behind the opposition defence.

This 4-4-2 formation relies on defensive grit and quick verticality. It is best suited for matches against ball dominant teams where Alavés can sit deep and counter at pace.